The DIRT Dad Fund

January 26, 2021

The DIRT Dad Fund is Introduced!
The DIRT Dad Fund, Inc. is a registered charitable foundation created to support our #DIRT Brothers who need a financial Ride On! Founded by Christopher Schwenker, the committee also includes Jason Stern, Pete Butler, and Tim Busick. Mission Statement: To harness the power of “#TheDIRTEffect” in assisting to ‘take care of our own’ proud, less fortunate DADs who are experiencing life challenges that have caused financial hardship. Goal To allocate the proceeds of exclusive limited-edition DIRT merchandise sales to DIRT DADs who prove a need as determined by the DIRT DAD fund committee. So check out http://www.DIRTDAdFund.com for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our DIRT Brethren! Like and follow our FB group page @DIRTDadFund! And on Instagram @thedirtdadfund!

August 28, 2020

May the ‘DIRT Effect Be With You!
With your donation and/or purchase from the DIRT Dad fund you can assure that it is with our D/MIRT mates in need.

January 31, 2021

The DIRT Dad Fund distribution team is hard at work fulfilling your orders!

February 1, 2021

Limited Edition! Get them before they’re gone!

February 3, 2021

What is the DIRT Dad Fund nomination process?
It’s how we identify members of the DIRT family who could benefit from financial aid. Who should be nominated? Any member of the DIRT family who could benefit from financial assistance. This includes, but is not limited to, someone who lost their job, may be dealing with illness or a family member’s illness or dealing with after-effects of a natural disaster. How do I nominate someone? Fill out the DIRT Dad 

Fund Nomination form… Where do I nominate someone? The nomination form can be found on the DIRT Dad Fund Website: https://www.dirtdadfund.com/nomination-form… When should I nominate someone? As soon as possible! The DIRT Dad Fund wants to help as quickly as we can!… Why should I nominate someone? To help ease the struggle that someone may be going through when a Ride On! Isn’t enough.

February 12, 2021

The DIRT Dad Fund makes it’s first donation!
A VERY Special Announcement!

February 15, 2021

Our Inaugural Donation!
When the DIRT Dad Fund committee heard that his wife was stricken with a significant illness that left his young family faced with seemingly insurmountable hospital bills, we were already convinced. Then to hear that he himself was stricken quite suddenly with a severe health issue of his own, we knew his nomination was just and his cause worthy. To add that his condition prevents him from performing the duties required 

of his present occupation forcing him to seek further employment. Well…you get the idea. “Now I will be able to keep my doctors appointment,” was his gracious reaction upon hearing the news. In addition to applying the grant to help his wife and young children. The DIRT Effect is real! Your support makes it so. Thank you!

February 27, 2021

The DIRT Dad Fund becomes the source for DIRT stickers!
The DIRT Dad Fund is the place to find your DIRT Stickers, including the new exclusive “The DIRT Effect’ frame decals. Visit https://www.dirtdadfund.com/product/dirt-sticker-packs/4?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false and get yours.

March 27, 2021

Alpe Dew Pizza with Jason Mutchler
Support DIRT Brother Jason Mutchler in his Quatch Quest to become a Gastronomic Giant of Zwift Legend by pledging $1 for every switchback as he climbs the ADZ while consuming an entire Domino’s Pizza while imbibing only Mountain Dew!

March 28, 2021

Thank You Jason!
Jason Mutchler- “Thank you. It’s my pleasure to represent such an amazing group”. #thedirteffect

April 9, 2021

24 Hours of DIRT with Keith Milam
Starting April 9th at 7 pm CST Keith Milam will be riding Watopia’s Tick Tock. The average will be between 2.0-3.0w/kg. He will be riding until he logs 24hrs Zwift moving time. Keith intends to take a 10-minute break every 6 hours (unless a bathroom break causes a quick stop before then). Around those breaks he will do a Facebook Live for a quick update, promote for donations, and soliciting DIRT riders to jump on and ride. Keith will be running the in-game tag [24hrs of DIRT] and the fundraising goal would be to urge everyone to consider donating $24 to the DAD fund, then jump on and conquer a long ride with DIRT family. The goal of raising $2,400 for the DIRT Dad Fund!

April 10, 2021

Thank You Keith and our generous family of D/MIRT!
Keith and the DIRT Dad Fund committee sincerely appreciate your generosity. The DIRT Effect is real…thanks to you!

April 12, 2021

Limited Edition Caps Available
Introducing the Limited Edition DIRT Dad Fund Signature Cap! As debuted by Keith Milam during his epic ’24 Hours of DIRT’ ride! Very limited amount! Get yours today knowing that all proceeds go towards assisting your D/MIRT family and providing a financial ‘pull’ for a teammate in need! Get one today

May 7, 2021

The DIRT Dad Fund is Featured on ‘The Never Going Pro’ Podcast
The NEVER GOING PRO Podcast! A hang with Ken ‘the Badger’, Coach Shayne Gaffney, and Chris Gorney published its 1st episode in June 2019 and has had almost 47,000 downloads on SoundCloud and ~25 episodes since. The Badger’s favorite episode was when they hosted Jeremiah Bishop and Nathan Guerra as guests, but their in-depth analysis and light-hearted commentary on a myriad of training and virtual cycling topics is extremely entertaining and informative. With a few fine DAD Jokes thrown in!

May 13, 2021

The DIRT Dad Fund assists another member of the D/MIRT Family in need: Terrel and Nicole Brown
“We are extremely appreciative of the generosity of the DIRT Dad Fund to help my wife. I have been a member of DIRT pretty much since it was created, and on Zwift since the alpha stages, so, it has been amazing to see DIRT grow in the way it has. My wife was diagnosed 14 months ago with Stage 3C Ovarian cancer, and since then has been 

through multiple surgeries and 7 lines of chemo, only to find that nothing is working. She has 2 new tumors that are growing and is running out of options. We were presented with an option for a the CHIPSA hospital in Mexico who have 4 different Immunotherapies that are currently not FDA approved in the US but that have seen high success rates in patients in Nikkis position. We have decided to make that trip and undergo those treatments, and we start them on the 23rd of this month. Unfortunately Insurance does not cover anything as this is outside of the US and not approved by US Insurances. The total cost will be right around $40,000. The funds donated from DIRT fund will go directly to these expenses that we will be paying in the next 2 weeks. We could not be more thankful for the support the community has given to us, and we look forward to paying that back once we are out of this period of our life. We hope for the best in these treatments and pray that they are able to find something new to work on her at this stage in her cancer diagnosis. Thank you again for the donation and support, please keep saying prayers and sending the positive thoughts, we appreciate it all!”

May 18, 2021

The DIRT Dad Fund is recognized as an official 501(c)3 charitable organization!
It took some time and a bit of hard work…but it was worth it! Does your employer offer a donation match? This is your opportunity to create a lasting legacy and make a difference in the lives of your D/MIRT family. Contact the DIRT Dad Fund @ DIRTDadFund@gmail.com for details.

June 3, 2021

Riding every day… for a year straight!
WOW guys! I just received the most amazing surprise in the mail from DIRT today – a shield to mark the completion of a personal challenge to ride every day for 365 days. It was completely unexpected. I have posted the picture here, but honestly, I would like to post it everywhere! I don’t know what to say. I am absolutely speechless. “I took on the challenge to help me come to terms with my wife Parul’s stage 4 cancer 

diagnosis. I know that in moments such as these, words and actions often fail us, so I can’t express my thanks enough for everyone at DIRT who has supported me throughout this last year – and who continue to do so. The fantastic support and friendship everyone at DIRT has given me along the way made an enormous difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To receive this shield was absolutely amazing. Many thanks to all at DIRT and the DIRT Fund for such an amazing gift. I don’t know whose idea it was – but you guys rock. What a team!”

June 8, 2021

The DIRT Dad Fund became a PayPal recognized charity!
Support The DIRT Dad Fund when you shop online with @PayPal. Set us as your favorite charity, and you can choose to donate $1 when you checkout with PayPal. Get started here: paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4209460

June 30, 2021

A Donation Was Made on Behalf of the D/MIRT Family by The DIRT Dad Fund
Please see the message in acknowledgment by Steven’s good friend… Chris, So kind of you and your group of riders! Steve was a nurse anesthetist ( CRNA) at the Mayo Clinic. He was a family man

(married with 3 children). His wit and sense of humor were unrivaled. His attitude was always upbeat, enthusiastic, and we loved him for it. He died pursuing his passion, and will forever be missed. If there’s anything else you need please let me know. Thanks again for your support! Joe Carlson Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pieper Family. Steven will be missed. https://gofund.me/d6d3963a

July 10, 2021

The DIRT Dad Fund Partners with High Watt Coffee!
http://www.highwatt.coffee There you will find coffee curated by cyclists and roasted by an award-winning roaster. If you see something that you like, know that $2/bag will go directly to the DIRT Dad Fund.

July 28, 2021

Spoiler Alert!
Brand new DIRT Dad Fund products coming soon. Be on the look out for a special new gear pack with towels and other great items.

August 30, 2021

*Special Announcement*
Your opportunity to own the first limited-edition One-Of-A-Kind DIRT Dad Fund mug. The DIRT Dad Fund is committed to supporting the D/MIRT community! Since these mugs are such unique treasures of DIRT folk art the committee has decided to do something special with each one to help lift the DIRT community. We will be hosting a Silent Auction for each mug as they become available. The proceeds of the event will go directly to a DIRT and Cycling-Related charity. This silent auction will be in support of Cecelia Taggart’s non-profit We Ride Bikes. This is how 

you can get the first DDF mug and support a member of the DIRT community doing great things through bikes.

September 1, 2021

First Mug Gone!
Congratulations to DIRT member Jesse Langhoff! The Winner of the 1st DDF Mug silent auction. Thanks to Jesse’s generous bid Cecelia Taggart will be able to help more people through bikes and her charity We Ride Bikes Enjoy that mug, Jesse! The High Watt VO2 max tastes really great from it.

September 5, 2021

New Products Coming Very Soon!
Be on the look out for a new wave of DIRT Dad Fund Products! Great things coming!

Introducing the Full DIRT Dad Fund lineup for the holiday season, featuring the exclusive MIRT-themed socks!

Click here to start your holiday shopping early and begin the season of giving!  100% of the proceeds of your purchase go to helping a member of your DIRT community in need of a financial RIDE ON!

September 24, 2021

The ‘Indoor Specialist’s’ Package is Introduced!
Do you want ALL of these? Great! Today is the day and here’s how. Follow this link https://thezommunique.com/dirt-dad-fund/ to the DIRT Dad Fund page of ‘The ZOM’ to learn all about the DDF and what we do. If you believe in the cause and would like to support us, scroll down for a special announcement with details on how to get your ‘Indoor Specialist’s’ Performance Package – Stage One while they last!

September 25, 2021

DDF Fulfillment Team Hard at Work
Sorry…sold out of large socks.

September 25, 2021

Look What I Found!
A couple more large socks! While VERY limited supplies last! (P.S. the triathlon part wasn’t my idea!)

September 27, 2021

Inventory Update!
Second batch of deliveries out the door! Inventory Alert! Less than 20 Performance Packages left. Get one while you can.

September 29, 2021

Happy HIGH WATT “Coffee With a Cause” Day!
$2 from each bag purchased goes directly into The DIRT Dad Fund! https://hawk-khaki-zk7k.squarespace.com

September 30, 2021

Inventory Update!
Only a dozen Indoor Specialist Performance Packs are left. Order now if you want one before it is too late!

October 2, 2021

The Places DIRT Reaches!
“Dads Indoors Riding Trainers, right?” 2-time Olympian and US Pro Frankie Andreu is familiar with DIRT! Now he knows about The DIRT Dad Fund.

October 6, 2021

Have you grabbed your own Indoor Specialist kit yet?
Post a picture of your stuff in action! A few more left to sell before we offer Stage Two!

October 12, 2021

Congratulations to the guys of Eat DIRT Zwift Team!
They were the silent auction winners of this one-of-a-kind piece of DIRT folk art! Growing Roots Pottery The proceeds all go to the myTEAM TRIUMPH – Wisconsin Chapter, founded by DIRT Christian Jensen and highlighted in this recent The ZOM article. https://thezommunique.com/…/dirt-christian-jensen…/ Another way that the DIRT Dad Fund strives to support the D/MIRT community. Great work Eat DIRT!

November 26, 2021

Black Friday Exclusive!
Check out the complete DIRT Dad Fund lineup! Featuring limited-edition MIRT-themed socks!

The Indoor Specialist's Performance Package Stage Two!

Click here to buy one!

April 28, 2022

May 3, 2022

DIRT Alex Johnson and His Amazing Son Zeke
We were stunned when my wife and I first found out our son had a congenital condition. He has a lung mass that affects 1 in 50,000 kids. On top of that, these conditions can sometimes cause the mother to have complications while carrying the baby. Luckily Ezekiel was born without any significant roadblocks. Now, all we had to do was get him through to his surgery date healthy, a task complicated 

by covid being prominent in the community. The risk for lung complications increased due to his condition. We decided to decrease the frequency of going out in big groups, which meant canceling our gym membership. For me, exercise has always been a form of stress relief, so cutting that out and adding in the stress of managing this condition made for some tough times. Luckily six months before, I joined zwift as a means to bike without having to travel on the more dangerous roads during the winter. Soon I joined the DIRT dad group and quickly found a place I seemed to fit in with supportive and fun people. I did not tell anyone about Zeke’s condition until after his surgery, as I was afraid to be so vulnerable with a group of people I’d never met in real life.

May 9, 2022

The DIRT Dad Fund Helps Ease the Burden of Previvor MIRT Elise Mathieu
Thankfully, I don’t have cancer now as a Previvor, but I’m proactively fighting cancer. I have a positive attitude about the surgery decisions, but there’s a roller coaster of emotions. It’s hard to put into words when I am scared, sad, and anxious, but I also try to be upbeat and optimistic about functioning as a human being. The DIRT 

community has helped me through my hardest days, specifically the Family Value Ride. Consistently joining every Tuesday built friendship bonds during the pandemic lockdowns through shared humor, laughter over Dad jokes, Discord calls, and Facebook messenger conversation. I know my relationship with the group has changed a little in line with the changes in my life, but I know they’ll be there for the first ride back, even if I’m hanging out with the Legendary Party Bus.”

May 24, 2022

The DIRT Dad Fund Helps DIRT Kirk Hawks Get Life-Changing Surgery

I wanted to express my deep appreciation for the DIRT community’s assistance with my nerve graft surgery bill. In a lapse of judgment, I had a chainsaw accident that affected my dominant hand. I am a math and sciences teacher at a high school for at-risk youth and struggled to pay the half down required for this surgery. 

 

I have made many friends and would like to promote the DIRTDadFund for other members who need some help when life throws you a curveball.

May 29, 2022

The DIRT Dad Fundo Route has been Announced!
Check out the route details of the DIRT Dad Fundo Across America by clicking here!

June 9, 2022

On this day, I will go to sleep knowing that I will awake to make a memory I will remember for the rest of my life.

August 7, 2022

Day 58- August 5, 2022: Holmes to HOME!

This is pretty cool and so awesome for The DIRT Dad Fund to make the front page!

August 27, 2022

Stickers are back!

September 19, 2022

The Pedal Industries Race Day bag created for The DIRT Dad Fund store is my new favorite bit of cycling kit! I’ll never show up at an event without all the stuff I need. See for yourself why I’ll never go anywhere without it again.
 
While you’re at it, check out all the other stuff in the store here!

September 21, 2022

Introducing the Nations Collection! Rolled out with the World Champs in mind!
USA, UK, AUS-Jersey, Bibs, Hoodies, Tech Tees, and bags!
Check out The DIRT Dad Fund store! Click on the drop-down menu for the new design collections.
Thank you for helping to support the virtual cycling community!

October 10, 2022

The DIRT Dad Fund p/b Pedal Industries hoodies are not your “dad’s hoodie.” Check ’em out!
Performance fleece-lined high-quality fabric and exceptional craftsmanship are available in several designs, with more to come!

November 26, 2022

Mustache Man Holiday Ornaments are back! Get yours in time for the big day!

November 28, 2022

“The Dirt Dad Fund helped pay an MRI bill, but my insurance could only cover so much, and I would have to sell my bikes to cover the rest.
These scans were important and gave an idea of where to look for possible breast cancer.
It gave me relief to focus on recovery after surgery, the breast cancer diagnosis that followed, and the treatment ahead.
Thankful for the Dirt and Mirt friends who remind me to be a Legend. 💕
You are a legend, Elise Mathieu!

The DIRT Dad Fund

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